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Campylobacter enteritis

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Definition:

Campylobacter enteritis is an infection in the small intestine caused by Campylobacter jejuni, a type of bacteria.

Alternative Names:

Food poisoning - campylobacter enteritis; Infectious diarrhea - campylobacter enteritis; Bacterial diarrhea

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Campylobacter enteritis is a common cause of intestinal infection . These bacteria also cause one of the many types of traveler's diarrhea.

People usually get infected by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, often raw poultry, fresh produce, or unpasteurized milk. A person can also be infected by close contact with infected people or animals. There is an incubation period of 2-4 days before symptoms start. Symptoms generally last one week.

Risk factors include recent family infection with C. jejuni , recent consumption of improperly prepared food, or recent travel in an area of poor cleanliness or sanitation.

• Review Date: 10/13/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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